Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool in May (Image: Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp had unshakable confidence in Arne Slot’s potential to make an immediate impact as Liverpool’s new manager, even before the Dutch coach was officially unveiled as his replacement – and he’s been proven spot on.
The iconic German manager said an emotive goodbye to Anfield back in May this year, drawing the curtain on a sensational nine-year tenure with the Merseyside giants at the close of the 2023/24 season.
Addressing the faithful directly after Liverpool sealed a 2-0 triumph over Wolves in the season’s finale, the 57-year-old soothed fans about his emotional exit with some imparting wisdom.
“Change is good, you just never know what to expect,” Klopp said to the 60,059 fans amassed at Anfield.
“But if you approach it with the right attitude then everything will be fine, the right foundation is 100 per cent there. That’s the team and the new coach, manager.
“Imagine the next season starts and you’re not waiting to see what happens, no, you dive headfirst into it! You welcome the new manager like you welcomed me. You give it your all from day one!”
Slot may not have been officially confirmed as Klopp’s successor at that time, but that didn’t stop the German from rousing Anfield with a chant of “Arne Slot, na na na na na, Arne Slot!” The same song was previously sung using his own name.
Klopp’s foresight proved spot-on as Slot has had a remarkable start on Merseyside. Liverpool now lead both the Premier League and Champions League tables.
Slot’s squad suffered have only one defeat in all competitions, losing to Nottingham Forest back in autumn, and have since enjoyed a 21-match unbeaten streak.
Arne Slot has enjoyed a brilliant start to life at Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
Their recent 6-3 win over Tottenham confirms Liverpool as Christmas top dogs in the Premier League – a position they’ve held since November.
Despite being four points clear of Chelsea with a game in hand, being the festive season front-runners doesn’t assure end-of-season glory.
In the Premier League’s rich history, Christmas leaders have won the title half of the time, with 16 out of 32 occurrences, yet just as many saw their leads slip away.
Liverpool themselves know this heartache all too well, having felt its bitter taste six times before.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1992922/Jurgen-Klopp-Liverpool-news-Arne-Slot